When to integrate new chicks?

[MigraineMan]

There's already a wire divider. We just put a cardboard panel on one side to explicitly separate them so the little ones wouldn't panic. The cardboard is two pieces, and we can slide one past the other to open a small gap. We currently have the gap at the end opposite the heat lamp so the little ones can be sheltered while sleeping, but can venture out and peek around should they get brave. We will expand the gap as they get more comfortable with their neighbors.

Currently, the one definite rooster in the bigger group is being quite the cockerel. I don't think it would be prudent to give him unrestricted access to the smaller chicks. (Turns out he's quite the coward - pick him up and he squeals like a stuck pig.)

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I am considering adding 2 new chicks to my 4 one year old hens (2 barred rocks, 1 BO, 1 GLW), my biggest concern is if I have enough space for the integration process. I have 80 square feet of run space and a 4x4 coop with external nest boxes. I was going to brood the chicks inside but as soon as it is warm enough move them into the run in a dog crate and fence off a small area for them (I do not have electric in my coop). I like the idea of a panic room. I do let my chickens into my yard in the evenings when I am home and more on the weekends, so I was thinking when I first introduce them with no fencing I could do it in the yard so there would be more space to run and hide. I am also confused on quarantine. If I get chicks that are less than a week old do they need to be quarenteened for a month or can I start bringing them into a secure area in the run so the other girls can get used to seeing them? I plan to get my chicks from a local farm where I got my original ones from. I'd appreciate any advice as I am trying to make a decision on if this is a good idea for me to get the chicks.

Hi, welcome to BYC!

I think you might be asking for trouble in that size coop if you add more chickens. But you know if you can manage the poo and all that. Space requirements are a suggestion and everybody must do what they feel is right for them. Someone I know has 8 chickens crowded into a small coop I might only put 4 in. But they seem fine. To me, I like to avoid problems before they start. It does sound like you have an understanding of the integration process. So that should help. Also, your weather has an impact on the space needed.

If your chicks come from the feed store or hatchery, they do not need to be quarantined, except for their own safety. Now I see you say a local farm... questionable. Even if you try to quarantine, without a huge amount of space and very specific order of practices, it's more like a good gesture than a good quarantine.

Maybe expand your coop a little this year and add chicks next year? Keep your egg production up longer term that way.

But then again... chicks!

One other thing, I never brood less than 3 chicks because if something happens to 1 (and it does) then the one left behind is lonely. It's easier to integrate more chicks (for me) because it spreads the pecking around.

 

[MigraineMan]

Gettin' brave ...

 

[peopleRanimals2]

Aww!

 

[jessg84]

Hi, welcome to BYC! 

I think you might be asking for trouble in that size coop if you add more chickens. But you know if you can manage the poo and all that. Space requirements are a suggestion and everybody must do what they feel is right for them. Someone I know has 8 chickens crowded into a small coop I might only put 4 in. But they seem fine. To me, I like to avoid problems before they start. It does sound like you have an understanding of the integration process. So that should help. Also, your weather has an impact on the space needed. 

If your chicks come from the feed store or hatchery, they do not need to be quarantined, except for their own safety. Now I see you say a local farm... questionable. Even if you try to quarantine, without a huge amount of space and very specific order of practices, it's more like a good gesture than a good quarantine.

Maybe expand your coop a little this year and add chicks next year? Keep your egg production up longer term that way.   

But then again... chicks! 

One other thing, I never brood less than 3 chicks because if something happens to 1 (and it does) then the one left behind is lonely. It's easier to integrate more chicks (for me) because it spreads the pecking around. 

Thanks for the advice. Maybe I will wait another year, that was my original plan. I was more concerned about run size than coop size. I had 5 girls until about a month ago and there seemed to be a lot of extra space in the coop. I have 2 roosting bars about 4 feet long each that run parallel to each other, one a little higher than the other. They really are only in there to sleep and lay eggs. As far as poop, I use a poop board which I clean daily, I have created an extended run with temporary fencing that I let them in when I am home. But it has no predator proofing so I only use it in the evenings and on the weekends.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Thanks for the advice. Maybe I will wait another year, that was my original plan. I was more concerned about run size than coop size. I had 5 girls until about a month ago and there seemed to be a lot of extra space in the coop. I have 2 roosting bars about 4 feet long each that run parallel to each other, one a little higher than the other. They really are only in there to sleep and lay eggs. As far as poop, I use a poop board which I clean daily, I have created an extended run with temporary fencing that I let them in when I am home. But it has no predator proofing so I only use it in the evenings and on the weekends.

You can always try and if it gets to crowded sell off your fresh chicks as Point of lay or something like that, usually around $30. Also, you know your weather and stuff much better than I do. I live in the PNW where we get A LOT of rain. And so sometimes they spend lots of time in there. But I have an acre with lots of covered spaces and different groups go to escape the wind/rain. Most of the time though, my flock also only goes in to lay and sleep. I don't even feed inside the coop, cuz I don't want the extra poo.

We do have a heavy predator load, but I guess my dogs help detour it... I free range sun up to sun down, all except chicks under 6-8 weeks old. Those guys get a covered run for a couple weeks while they integrate with the rest of the flock.

I also use poo boards, but probably only clean twice a week. And I feed a flock raiser with oyster shell on the side so I don't have to worry about chicks eating layer feed. I always have chicks, pullets, hens, cockerels, roosters, broody's... you get the idea. And layer has to much calcium for those not laying and not enough protein for those still growing. So I keep it simple and try to find a happy medium.

I wasn't trying to discourage you though... only give you things to consider.

Best wishes, but if you do get chicks... don't forget to post pics!